NJCounts 2016

All twenty-one New Jersey Counties will be counting individuals and families who were homeless – both sheltered and un-sheltered - on the night of Tuesday, January 26, 2016.This annual census is conducted by networks of organizations, agencies and others that plan community efforts to end homelessness and is coordinated by Monarch Housing on the statewide level.

The goal of the first Annual Homeless Sabbath is to engage as many congregations of all faiths to include readings in their service(s) held on December 16th, 17th and 18th, 2016, at their respective house of worship. Click here to register online to participate.

Murray and Heller Propose Expansions and Changes to GPD Program

The legislation would, among other provisions, authorize the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program dollars for the care of dependents of a currently homeless veteran who also is receiving assistance through the GPD program.

The measure would also:

Expand the VA’s authority to provide dental care to veterans experiencing homelessness, and would authorize grants for the operational expenses of centers providing direct services to homeless veterans; and

Extend the authorizations of several programs and authorities including the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs (HVRP) and the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.

The measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and has no original co-sponsors.

Require that at least 15% of the funds in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program be allocated to veterans who are experiencing homelessness and have special needs. This allocation would include services provided to female veterans; and

Authorize the use of GPD payments for the dependents of currently homeless veterans who are receiving assistance through the GPD program.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) is the bill’s only cosponsor as of this writing.